Trying to diagnose overheated engine with error code P1229

EVERGRUMP

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5 POSTS

2006 FORD F-150

90,000 MILES

I have a 2006 Ford F150 V6 4.2L that overheated on the highway today. The gauge went to hot and it lost power. I pulled over and there was plenty of fluid, no leaks. The radiator hose was a little hot but I'm not sure if that's normal. Went to an auto parts store and read a P1229 Code from the computer. The fan belt squealed once yesterday and today for about 5 seconds when starting for the first time each day.

I thought maybe it was the water pump but it's not leaking. When I turn the car off after overheating and turn back on, the gauge goes back to normal. The check engine light stays on. Belt doesn't seem worn or cracked. The gauge goes back to normal if I shut off and restart car. No loss of fluid.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:11 AM

10 Replies

SATURNTECH9

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31,327 POSTS

Are both radiator hoses getting really hot?Also is your radiator fan working correctly?

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:18 AM

EVERGRUMP

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Im not sure about a second hose. Just checked the main one on the top left side as you face it. Fan appears to be working fine. Only happened so far when up to speed on the highway though after about 25+ mins driving.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:24 AM

ASEMASTER6371

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Sounds like a clogged radiator but I am concerned about the overheating. You may have damaged the motor by it overheating so much.

Roy

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:28 AM

SATURNTECH9

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There is a upper lower radaitor hose if there both getting really hot the thermostat is working. The two things that come to. Mind are the thermostat or fan is the fan blowing like a hurricane when its really hot?

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:28 AM

EVERGRUMP

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Only happened one time.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:28 AM

EVERGRUMP

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I'll have to go drive it for a while to get it to overheat again. Wouldn't the inside gauge say it's hot still though after turning the car off and then back on? The gauge instantly goes back to normal and it runs fine.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:30 AM

SATURNTECH9

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I would be looking at the thermostat and fan before the radiator being clogged its a lot more common for a fan or thermostat to fail.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:31 AM

SATURNTECH9

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Yeah that is strange when it was really hot did the coolant boil over?

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:33 AM

EVERGRUMP

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Okay thanks. I was going to change the thermostat for the heck of it earlier since it's a quick and cheap thing to do. The sensor as well but I couldn't seem to locate it.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2012 AT 1:36 AM

SATURNTECH9

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The sensor is on the left cylinder head I posted a diagram of where it is.